History Books


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History Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

History
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (2007-01-30)
Authors: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
List price: $15.00
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Average review score:

Recipes for Countering Extremism
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-12
Rare book that combines fascinating and eccentric characters with a diagnosis and cure for combating the intolerance and violence of Islamic fundamentalism. Greg Mortenson and his Afghan / Pakistan schools for girls are an effective and cheap solution for making a real difference in the lives of people in regions of the world that are increasingly important to us.

This One a Must Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-12
Do you believe that a personal story built on facts can persuade you to view the world differently? If your answer is `maybe' or `what do you mean?' or `yes' then I invite you to consider Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time. If you live in America, and do not yet know of Greg Mortenson, you need to hear his story and his larger-than-life dream.

Prepare to be entertained. Prepare to be wowed. Prepare to ask yourself, `is this guy breathing the same air I breathe?'

This is an adventure story way beyond "adventure." If you know a serious mountain climber, for example, you probably recognize his or her capacity to subordinate their basic human fears; don't know about you; in a world of X-games, that kind of adventure doesn't impress me so much anymore. However, that's where Greg Mortenson's story begins, climbing K2 in the Himalayas, and that's where Mortenson fails. It's in his failure and the resulting debilitating weakness that he resolves to go after a dream that requires more courage and grit and heart than any mountain climb.

What he discovers is the beauty and kindness and generosity of a people that we in America would instinctively (1) mistrust - they're Muslims, (2) minimalize - they're poor and uneducated, and (3) not connect with - they are very different from us Westerners - most of the folks Greg comes to know and work with have ancient customs they live by in making decisions that seem to ignore time or efficiency or modern advantages.

The political landscape of the mountain regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan and other parts of central Asia can fairly be described as unfriendly and unwelcoming to an American with a northern European heritage. In fact, it seems to be THE source of our `terrorist problem' today. And yet, Mortenson figures it out. He goes where military operatives have tried and failed. How? Well, that's why you need to read Three Cups of Tea.

Greg Mortenson's determination to realize a dream of schools for girls in the rural mountain communities of central Asia is a living breathing bigger view of life, a deeper, more compassionate understanding of human nature, and a clearer picture of what we all can do to make this world a better place and a safer place for our grandchildren.

If you read (or listen) to one book or 30 books in the next twelve months, make sure you read Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...one School At a Time [Mp3] [Audio Disc] [Unabridged] [Audiobook].

Profoundly Written - An Inspired Journey and Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-11
One of the best books I've ever read. It is beautifully written - a door is opened to you on a precious culture, a way of life, and a people that face their many challenges bravely. We are welcomed in and inspired by this story. One cannot read this book and harbor narrow views of the people of Pakistan, Afganistan or the Islamic world. One cannot read this book and not want to make a contribution to the ongoing development of schools and other necessities to reach the peoples of these lands.

3 cups = 5 stars
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-10
The book three cups of tea, is a story of monumental dedication and superhuman efforts to build schools for people who had no hope of education. An inspiring story for any age.

Please read it. Based on true story but can't be further than fiction
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-10
This is one of the best books I have ever read. In retrospect, it is difficult to imagine the difference a single person can make. Dr. Greg Mortenson is building schools in the most hostile situations and is the real hero for America and people world wide.
This book is a must read because it truly gives a glimpse of the world we are mostly unaware of.
Greg fought against all adversaries - fatwa, kidnapping and being caught between a free for all shootout. These are extraordinary situations and require extraordinary character to work under those circumstances.
Some readers complained that the book went back and forth between US and Pakistan quite often and the reading is not clean. I disagree. The book is very well written and the back & forth is not much different from hos own life. He is living in two parallel worlds, working under bullets half a world away away from his family to make a difference.

His is the right way to fight evil - through education. I wish there were more like him.

I think the least we can do is read the book and educate ourselves about the real problems and real solutions to the current menace (terrorism, poverty, depravity) around the world.

Third cup of tea is a gesture in certain cultures to accept another person as part of the extended family.

This is such a great book that I do not want to (and cannot) write a feedback about the book and will only encourage you to read it.

History
The Revolution: A Manifesto
Published in Hardcover by Grand Central Publishing (2008-04)
Author: Ron Paul
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Average review score:

Government not wall street
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-11
We are about to elect a president that played a role in the root cause of our financial predicament. Obama was in league with a group called acorn whose primary goal was to get funding for low income homeowners. Calling upon his egalitarian God and disciples, he was able to arouse his almighty spirit of compassion no official dares cross. Anyone tempted would be labeled racist, bigot, etc. Obama stands to gain his reparations either way. I said it years ago and I'll say it again, the egalitarian god trumps all Gods, laws, traditions, and reason.

Yes the fed started the mess in the early 90s by gerrymandering the rate. But Greenspan knew this was the only way to avert recession since inflation now devoured the two income wage earner. Wall street pigs knew this would be the last sloping hence the feeding frenzy. There is no turning back from this one unless housing takes a dramatic dive which will also cause unimaginable pain. We might do well to study Argentina. But this country had a hedge. Where is Amercias?

IMPORTANT American Document!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-12
REQUIRED READING: This book reveals the lies every American suspects of their government. Other than the Constitution which is being destroyed, this book is an education of protecting our liberties.

Brilliant!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-11
Mr. Paul is undeniably one of the rare rational voices from Washington. He was extremely effective in this presidential race and created a stir due to the innovative and sensible solutions he had to offer. His ideas about freedom and liberty resonate with many Americans. And he explains very effectively and coherently that these are the very ideals espoused by the founding fathers and the framers of the Constitution, but have been repeatedly ignored to the extent that the US has lost its strategic advantage as one of the greatest nations in the world. Even though one might not endorse all of Mr. Paul's ideals he has to be given credit for offering fresh insight and unique/creative solutions to the challenges that the US faces at home and abroad. He is one of the very few in the Congress, who take the government head-on with regard to the interventionist foreign policy. This book offers the most impressive analysis of the factors that have led to the recent economic meltdown. It was written before the current crisis, but it raises the red flag. I am not sure that I would go as far as calling him the `Thomas Jefferson of our day', but he surely does come close!

"You say you want a revolution..."
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-10
Warning this book is the equivalent of waking from "The Matrix" (1999), and seeing the true nature of reality. From the prolog forward to the very end Ron Paul holds nothing back and for those few folk being introduced to this reality and how we have strayed from the constitution, can be a real eye opener.

The message is simple but it is the implantation that can get a bit complex as there are no two sides to this story as those that manufacture politics today.

The real strength of the book is that even though one day the details may be dated that we go beyond theory and point to real situations and existing people instead of just theories and what ifs.

I bought the book; I also bought the CD's as they help enforce the book during my daily commute. We also use them for discussions at work.

This book has many truths that are not just for the radical or inspired and will be a useful reference for your library in the years to come.

A few related and complimentary ideas can be found in:

The Constitution of the United States of America, with the Bill of Rights and all of the Amendments; The Declaration of Independence; and the Articles of Confederation by Thomas Jefferson, Second Continental Congress, and Constitutional Convention

For a New Liberty by Murray N. Rothbard

The Capitalist Manifesto by Louis O. Kelso and Mortimer J. Adler

The Constitution of the United States of America, with the Bill of Rights and all of the Amendments; The Declaration of Independence; and the Articles of Confederation

For a New Liberty

The Capitalist Manifesto

Maybe there is hope for our country
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-09
Ron Paul is unique in American politics - honest, incorruptible, principled. His book succeeds on two fronts.

First, providing a readable account of the problems that we face as the ruling elite shred our Constitution, destroy our economy, and drag us bleating into a police state.

Second, giving us a blueprint for stopping the decline and taking back our lives and freedom from those who would rule.

Dr. Paul has shown the way. The next step - actually voting out the corrupt politicians, turning away from the single-party Republicrat institution - is up to us.

History
Seabiscuit
Published in Audio CD by Random House Audio (2003-06-05)
Author: Laura Hillenbrand
List price: $29.95
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Average review score:

Seabiscuit: An American Legend
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-05
I saw both flims the original with Shirley Temple/Lon McAllister also the newer version both were great
So the the book was a must have also to learn what had happen to rest of the story(the horse/the people)

Ah, Seabiscuit we need you now
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18
This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.

Great Buy
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-29
I'm usually concerned about purchasing items on line, especially books. I can honestly say that this experience was worth it. I would recommend this seller to anyone interested in purchasing good quality books at extremely reasonable prices.

Buy with confidence, I did!

Seabiscuit for President!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09
I can't recall the number of non-fiction books that I've read. Little matter, this is the most incredible true story that I've read!!
Laura Hillenbrand has captured a time in American History. She is a true storyteller who has done impeccable research. It must have been the time she spent in Gambier, Ohio at Kenyon College that inspired her to such great in depth writing.
For those of you who have not read this book or have not seen the excellent movie, you're in for an incredible treat. Trust Me!!
If I were writing fiction, this true story would not have been told. Charles Howard, Red Pollard and Tom Smith are indeed the Holy Trinity. Remember these names, after reading this book, you will never forget them.
One little horse, so much history!!! Incredible!!!!

Match This, War Admiral!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-15
I have recently read Seabiscuit and watched the film and found both to be very compelling. We dont think much anymore about the dark days of the Depression but Laura Hillenbrand puts us right back in the middle of it. The important lesson was to look to the future as Charles Howard implored, the sun will come up tomorrow.

Three incredible characters intersect with this horse of unknown promise. Howard is the wealthy owner, despondent over the death of his son and unsure how to live the life of leisure; Red Pollard is a jockey not able to break into the big-time, due to his attitude, blindness, and injuries; Tom Smith is a taciturn man who belongs in the 19th century of his youth, not the modern world. Together they develop and promote Seabiscuit, a horse of incredible bloodlines, yet given up on by better trainers due to his work habits, attitude, injuries, and size.

Eventually the Biscuit wins all the stakes in the state of California and gets a shot at a match race with the great Eastern horse and Triple Crown winner, War Admiral. Both horses are descendants of the great Man'o'war, but the eastern elites dont want to give the western upstart his chance. After a few cancellations due to injuries and prickly owners, the match race goes off in Baltimore and the smaller horse brings it home.

The book is more enlighting with respect to the fuller stories of the characters, especially the relationship between the jockeys and Pollard's romance and marriage to a Boston nurse. The movie brings the times to life. Howard and Pollard were the raconteurs who made Seabiscuit the hero of the little guys during those lean years. Dont forget, tough times dont last but tough guys do.

Ms. Hillenbrand is an equally interesting story. She suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and is only able to work at a fraction of the typical writer. Here she focused her energy on this story and these times. Seabiscuit has been the story many times in film and books but Ms. Hillenbrand brings it to life for us.

History
Lonesome Dove
Published in Hardcover by Simon & Schuster (1985-06-13)
Author: Larry McMurtry
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Average review score:

Lonesome Dove
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-04
Absolutely loved it! I have ordered two more books by this author and am sure it won't be the last.

Wow!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-15
Now that was a good book. Larry McMurtry is an amazing writer, so whitty. I fell in love with the characters; so much that it's been weeks since I read the book and I still can't stop thinking about them.

Loved It!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
What a summer ride I've been on reading Lonesome Dove. I don't know where I've been the last 15 years to only now discover this absolutely amazing story. I smiled, laughed, and cried my way through it. I will surely miss the Hat Creek Cattle boys keeping me up at night. What an adventure!

Best Westerns
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-01
Though published in 1985, this classic reached its peak in the 1990's with the film. The movie in this case did not hurt the book, as it was well done, but as is often the case did not elicit the same response as reading the novel, chapter by chapter. A richer flavor of the west is seen through the eyes of the reader, whereas the film concentrates more on the characters relationships, perhaps for broader appeal outside the genre. Anyone that enjoys the old west with a touch of humor and pathos will identify with McMurtry's rich tale.
George E. Miller, author of The Lone War Cry

Sweeping, masterful, and affecting
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-25
If you are like me you will be depressed when you finish this book ... its absence from my life was that profound. It is a sweeping, powerful, engaging work with some of the most colorful characters ever drawn in fiction. If you have seen the CBS miniseries, do yourself a favor and relive it all again with this titan of a novel. It is more than a Western, it is the story of the human experience. The two main characters, Gus and Call, exemplify the fundamental question that besets us in this waking world: Are we here to accomplish something unique, despite the possible risk to our relationships, comfort and safety; or are we here to pursue a life lived pleasurably and with no expectations?

History
Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
Published in Hardcover by Hay House (2006-02-15)
Author: Immaculee Ilibagiza
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Average review score:

An African diety
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-11
In Left to Tell Imaculee Ilibagiza, a Rwandan holocaust survivor, recounts her story and attributes her survival to her strong faith in God. Most western Christian readers of this story are swept away in the miraculous aspects of Imaculee's nearly 100 days of survival, most of which were in a tiny bathroom in a Protestant pastor's house. What is overlooked is her very African emphasis on sacred objects for protection and an image of God which is more shaman than one who loves all humanity and grieves when we humans depart from his commandment to "Love on another." The imagine of her father with his rosary in one hand and his spear in the other is particularly striking. Thus, almost all Hutus in this story are depicted as untrustworthy or completely evil. Imaculee even portrays the pastor who at great risk to himself and his family saved her as jealous of her father and heartless when he cannot keep her brothers. Similarly, as she focuses on her survival as a proof of the power of faith, she fails to ask why so many many others who were likely just as faithful were killed. Imaculee does state that this is only her story and not an attempt to explain the causes of the Rwandan genocide, but certainly as a young university student she must have known more about the sources of the seething tensions between the Hutus and Tutsis. Imaculee gives her explanation of why she was left to tell the story of the 1994 genocide, but neglects to ask why 800,000 others, many of whom were Hutu, were not.

Anything is possible...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-06
It is unbelievable that people could kill so many people in such a gruesome fashion. It is even more unbelievable that Immaculee could forgive those killers. This book is about more than just the genocide, it is about the power and absolute necessity of forgiveness. Ultimately, the only one Immaculee could really escape the genocide was through forgiveness. Wonderful book.

Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-30
Amazing story. I strongly suggest everyone to read the story, it's profound and a real eye opener. As an American, the majority of us have no idea what it's like to be put into poverty and suffering as she and millions like her have experienced.

Author
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-19
I love stories that tell how God works in the lives of His people. This story is among the best I've ever read.

Left to Tell
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-20
Left to Tell is a powerful story of one womens tragedies and survival experienced during the Genocide in Rwanda. This book brought tears and joy to my heart; it inspired me to know that through any horrible and life threatening experience a belief and faith in God will transcend all atrocities man will commit. It is also about how forgiveness can calm and soothe the soul so life can move on with peace in your heart.

History
James Cameron's Titanic
Published in Paperback by Harper Paperbacks (1997-12-31)
Authors: James Cameron, Ed Marsh, and Jain Lemos
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Average review score:

Is This It?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-20
I hope this is the right book, I just love the story, and the music, and the movie too!

Great Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-14
The book is fantastic! Great pictures! I would highly recommend this book for any fan of the movie or a Titanic fan in general! The making of the epic movie is something to see and you can definitely see it in this book.

TITANIC!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-07
This is a MUST have for any Titanic collector. I waited for about 9 or so years for this book and I am so extatic that I finally have it!!

Titanic Fans
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-12
Great book for the titanic enthusiasts!!!!! If you loved the movie, you will enjoy this book.

TITANIC REDEUX
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-25
The scope of this majestic book truly befits the epic effort by James Cameron with his cinematic masterpiece "Titanic". Much great information here for the movie buff who likes to see how it is done. Incredible sets including the dining salon, complete even to dishes and decor. I was amazed to see how this particular set was pulled underwater by hydraulics to provide a very realistic feeling of sinking. Page after page of photographs and stories about the magnificent sets that brought this film to life. Lots of info about the stars and other cast members as well the production crew. This book is a perfect companion to the movie as well as a testament to the filmmaking genius of James Cameron.

History
Truman
Published in Paperback by Simon & Schuster (1993-06-14)
Author: David McCullough
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Average review score:

Truman
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-29
The book is well researched and is interesting reading. It's amazing to see the same political arguements in 1934 as in 2008. They were using class warfare in 1934 same as now.

Long, but well worth the length
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-25
I was given this book as a Christmas present. I had read McCullough's 1776 and John Adams and had enjoyed them both (although I was disappointed in the brevity of 1776). Still this book (Truman) stayed on my shelf gathering dust for over six months. I was initially overwhelmed with its length and afraid to tackle it (I had failed with Vidal's Lincoln and didn't want to repeat that result). I finally screwed my courage and cracked it open.

Although the first 50 pages or so weren't extremely engrossing, after that the book quickly captivated me. I didn't know much about Harry Truman, and what I did know led me to believe that he was a fairly average president. What I learned is that he was an amazing overachiever who, when faced with the weight of the world, was at his best. McCullough really brought the man to life, and although Mr. Truman did some things that none of us would be proud of, McCullough didn't provide excuses for Harry - he did explain possible causes for Truman's behavior.

After reading this book, you can't help but feeling that the United States was extremely fortunate to have Truman in the nation's highest office, and you can't help but wish you could have met the man.

I wholeheartedly recommend the book as a must read.

A brilliant biography
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-21
"Truman" is a much praised book and deservedly so. There is hardly a need for another review, in addition to the 280 already posted here, so I will be brief.

Above all, it is superbly readable, as entertaining as a good novel. I experienced a sense of regret having finished it today.

It is a clear and balanced portrait of a leader and a wonderful study of understated, firm and steady leadership.

I would rate it as essential reading for anyone wanting to understand key aspects of the world since WWII and which continue to influence events today.

McCullough? Buy It!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-13
I consider myself a fan of history (I like it, but don't know enough and mis-remember even more). David McCullough's books bring to life the stories of our country (and events) in a compelling manner that makes you want more. I eagerly look forward to each of his well researched and "human" look at what has helped shape the U.S. to where we are today. Each of these should be required reading for middle school & high school students - the conversations they create will bring benefits for our future generations. This is even more true for the biographies as he develops the person which helps explain the why - and not just the what happened. Bravo Mr. McCullough, very well done indeed.

You Have To Read THIS Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-06
This is quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read. And I do my fair share of reading. Don't let the size of the book scare you either. Its worth putting the time into. David McCullough writes in a readable manner. None of that academic reading stuff that gives you headaches. Listen, if you are even considering buying it you probably already have a little interest in this topic. Do yourself a favor. Buy this book. You can thank me later. Oh, and...Harry is my new hero.

History
Katherine
Published in Hardcover by Houghton Mifflin (T) (1954-07)
Author: Anya Seton
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Average review score:

one of the first, and still one of the best!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-12
This book may have been written in the 1950's, but the story is timeless, and the storyteller is quite skilled in her craft. The dilemmas that Katherine faced were daunting, and the author does not spare us any details in an attempt to make Katherine more sympathetic. I can understand why many historical fiction writers cite Seton as a role model. This is definitely more than a romance novel!

Many of the historical inaccuracies are minor, and are because in the 1950's, there was significantly less known about Medieval Europe than there is now. I am sure that if Seton were to write the book today, she would get those facts straight. But the basic premise holds true, regardless. Peg

Extremely enlightening
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-09
As a lover of HISTORICAL fiction, this was one of the best. The people became real and the historical facts were given understanding and reality. I would haved liked to have a portrait of Katherine included. Her family set the tone for England for centuries to come.

A Romance Novel For All Time
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-07
A contemporary of Shakespeare's once wrote that he was not of an age, but for all time. I very feel this way about this novel. As romances go, this has it all. And for fans on historical fiction, fiction, romance, history, and of course, the British history, I would highly recommend this book.

I was so bored I almost gave up
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-29
This is the first book that I almost gave up on before I finished reading it. Halfway through the book it just became COMPLETELY boring. I literally forced myself to continue reading. It did get better, and I was pretty happy with the ending. Still, there was a chapter or two that was completely unreadable. I bought this book because it takes place in my favorite time period in history and it had such good reviews, but I found it wasn't really all that others claim it is. Judge for yourself, but I will never read this book again. That's for sure.

Favorite Book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-28
This is one of my favorite books of all time. This was the book that got be hooked on historical fiction, and although the cover (imo) does the book an injustice (making the novel look old and boring), this is a wonderful read. Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt are flesh-and-blood characters, leaping off the page to bring you along in a 14th century adventure.

If you have any interest in the 1300s, Chaucer, English history, or even just romance stories, I think you'll like this.

History
The Code Book: The Evolution of Secrecy from Mary, Queen of Scots to Quantum Cryptography
Published in Hardcover by Doubleday (1999-09-14)
Author: Simon Singh
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Average review score:

Cryptography 101
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-04
As always Simon Singn takes the reader on a fantastic trip through History. Filled with entertaining stories, puzzles and heroic events, the author skillfully covers the history of secret writing. If you liked his coverage of Fermat's Enigma then you will definitely enjoy this book.

The prose is capturing, deep enough to fascinate technical readers and light enough to just entertain the casual reader. I specialized in Quantum computers while studying Mathematics and I am astonished that the author manages to explain such non-trivial subjects as quantum computers and cryptography to the degree where ordinary readers can actually understand how they work and their impact on ciphers such as RSA/DSA. In short another great read from one of the best and most entertaining technical writers who ever lived.

Excellent reading on evolution of cryptography
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-20
Simon Singh books usually hold you from the first page and till the end. "The code book" is very well written and very informative. You will see how it's started and where cryptography goes, but even more interesting part of history of cryptography - life (sometimes secret life) of people who worked and continue to work on development of cryptosystems.

Excellent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-14
Nutshell review - This is an excellent book covering the history of cryptography up to present day and into the near future. Very well written, easy to understand and worth reading by any layperson interested in the topic.

Solve any Enigma
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-23
If you want to know about codes, secrets, cryptography and cryptanalysis then this is the book. Simon Singh presents the history of codes in a clear and simple way. Without the mathematics to disturb the flow of the story, you enjoy plots, conspiracies, secrets and algorithms. Excellent for general knowledge and for an introductory text in cryptanalysis. Buy it!

excellent
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-11
great book regarding the history of cryptography. The only way to truly understand anything is c the history of it's introduction

History
The Complete Far Side 1980-1994 (2 vol set)
Published in Hardcover by Andrews McMeel Publishing (2003-10)
Authors: Gary Larson and Steve Martin
List price: $150.00
New price: $92.54
Used price: $90.58
Collectible price: $220.00

Average review score:

The Far Side
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-23
At last the complete Far Side collection is contained in one set. Every cartoon drawn by Gary Larson is included herein. Far Side fans will revel in the fact that they no longer have to pour through old microfilm versions of local newspapers at libraries to find all the off the wall, bizarre humor of cxavemen in outhouses, or bears, cows, sheep all behaving like nerdy humans, or any of the other strange concoctions Larson came up with. This set is rather expensive, but the tru fan will find the money for it.

Beautiful! Fantastic! But....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-11
I would love to reccomend this fantastic collection of one of the greatest ever comic artists, except for one thing...
The Far Side should be enjoyed under the covers, by flashlight, when your parents say you should be asleep. That's how I remember enjoying the Far Side. If you really want to LOVE this comic, buy the smaller, more portable books to snuggle up with. Happy reading!

Excellent and comprehensive
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-10
Every Far Side ever published - can't go wrong with that. Hardback with good quality paper. A perfect resource for PowerPoint presentations.

Excellent collection of The Far Side
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-13
The Far Side by Gary Larson is such a great comic strip. This collection of The Far Side consists of two impressive volumes which are beautifully bound and printed. They are also quite heavy! Going through these books entertained me greatly. I saw some strips I don't recall ever reading. I saw some that perhaps I had read before, but since it had been so many years I was able to enjoy them as if I had read them for the first time. And there were still others that I remember from the past, and it was great to be able to relive them again. In all of those cases the comic strips were as funny as ever and I was able to really enjoy going through all of them. Some of the comics appear in color, while some appear in black and white.

This set is a complete collection of The Far Side comic strip, from its introduction in 1980 until the strip ended in 1994. The strips are organized by year, and there are even some strips that have never appeared in print before! The books also contain a variety of other material such as essays by Larson about such things as his childhood and how the comic got started. There are also letters from fans, detractors and editors that were enjoyable to read. However, please note that some of Gary Larson's work is not in this set. For example, the complete material contained in The Prehistory of the Far Side, Weiner Dog Art, and The Curse of the Madam "C" does not appear in these volumes.

These books can be displayed beautifully on a coffee table or on your bookshelf. Just note that the volumes are almost 14 inches high, which may be too high for some bookshelves.

This set would also make a perfect gift for any fan of The Far Side. Highly recommended!

A Masterpiece Of Comic Brillance
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-22
"Every one of these cartoons is just something that drifted into my head when I was alone with my thoughts. And, for better or worse, I `jotted them down. It was only later, when perhaps I received an angry letter from someone, that it struck me: Hey! Some one's been reading my diary!"
Gary Larson, from the preface to The Complete Far Side

How do you explain 'Far Side'? A brilliant comedic view of the absurd and unusual? An inspiring cartoon that entertains and inspires? My family loves cards and for each birthday we all receive more than a few cards, and most of them are from 'Far Side'. We look forward to those cards. At Christmas there are calendars and mugs. We are a family of Far Side. But it took my best friend to give me the gift of Far Side that is impressive.

When the first Far Side appeared millions of us could not get enough. The cartoons debuted in January 1980 and we have bought more than 40 million Far Side books and more than 60 million calendars. The demand for The Far Side has been insatiable. I received the hefty, deluxe, two-volume slip cased set as a gift. The slipcase is gorgeous with a lovely ribbon surrounding it. The volumes are printed in full color, milled paper, The Complete Far Side is a superb gift that takes its place alongside collector's-edition art books.

"A masterpiece of comic brilliance, The Complete Far Side contains every Far Side cartoon ever syndicated -- over 4,000 if you must know -- presented in (more or less) chronological order by year of publication, with more than 1,100 that have never before appeared in a book." publisher.

There are more Far Side cartoons in these volumes that Larson created after his retirement: 13 of them appeared in the last Far Side book, Last Chapter and Worse, and six cartoons that ran as a special feature in The New York Times' Science Times section as The Far Side of Science. Gary Larson offers a glimpse into the mind of The Far Side in quirky and introductions to each of the 14 chapters. Complaint letters, fan letters, and queries from readers appear. Actor, author, and comedian Steve Martin offers his thoughts in a foreword, and Gary Larson's former editor describes what it was like to be "the guy who could explain every Far Side cartoon."

During its 14-year run, The Far Side was syndicated to over 1,900 daily newspapers. It has been translated into a total of 17 different languages.

For his work with The Far Side, Gary Larson received the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year from the National Cartoonists Society in both 1991 and 1994. The National Cartoonists Society also named The Far Side Best Syndicated Panel in 1985 and 1987. In 1993 The Far Side was awarded the Max & Moritz Prize for Best International Comic Strip/Panel by the International Comics Salon. In 1995, Larson's animated film Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side won the Grand Prix at the Annecy International Animation Festival in Annecy, France. His second animated film, Gary Larson's Tales From The Far Side II, premiered in 1997 in the United States at the Telluride Film Festival and in Europe at the Venice International Film Festival.

Gary Larson has always made use of biology and science. It seems he likes to put animals in human situations, like the praying mantis woman accusing another of having an affair with her mate and being told "Surely you know that I would only eat my own husband", or the cow with a bib and knife and fork sitting behind a big pile of steaks proclaiming to the herd that they tasted a bit like chicken. Surreal, crazy talk, if you like it you'll love it. Some people never understand the humour. It can vary from simple & obvious, to oblique and obscure. However, most of my family and friends understand the humor all too well:-)

It has taken me awhile to read every page of these two volumes. A laugh out loud and/or guffaw, but always, always a smile on my face when I was faced with the humor. Some are so obscure that I am still wondering what they really were all about. but I enjoyed them all the same. This is a gift of a lifetime. My family when visiting all seem to veer toward the two volumes in their slipcase perched so invitingly on my coffee table. One of us will start reading out loud, and soon we will all be engulfed in laughter.

Highly, Highly Recommended. prisrob 07-22-08

Last Chapter and Worse

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